The application of oxygen uptake techniques to the determination of polyolefin stability is extensively reviewed and includes the consideration of both manometric apparatuses and devices which incorporate pressure transducers. The sensitivity of oxygen uptake instruments, types of heating facilities, molecular sieves and adsorbents, the shape of the oxygen uptake profile and the technique of oxygen uptake as related to other techniques are also discussed. A comprehensive table listing oxygen uptake apparatuses in chronological order is included in the review.